Congress Prepares for Memorial Day Recess:

The House of Representatives and the Senate are scheduled to recess from May 23 through June 2. Representatives and Senators will be in their districts during this time. Now is the time to schedule meetings with both your Senators and your Representatives. This alert will give you a brief update on some of the items we have reported on most recently. Next week we will fax you alerts containing information that can be used as reference material when meeting with your members.

Budget - On Thursday, May 15, the Clinton Administration and the Congressional Republican leadership sealed their deal on the budget resolution with a written agreement.. What we have reported thus far regarding budget implications for PLWHAs (see May 2 and May 9 Alerts) remain true. Medicaid will be cut $16 million. Domestic discretionary spending will also be cut. There is a list of priority programs for funding, but there are no AIDS programs on the list. Therefore, it is imperative that we strongly advocate for increases in these programs during the appropriations process. The budget process is now on a legislative fast track. The House Budget Committee passed their budget resolution today. It is scheduled to come before the full House for a vote on Tuesday, May 20. Meanwhile, the Senate Budget Committee is scheduled to consider the budget resolution on Monday, May 19. The congressional leadership plan to have a congressional budget resolution passed before they break for Memorial Day Recess. When they return from this recess they will most likely begin the appropriations process in earnest.

ADAP - After an aggressive attempt, Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was unable to bring up her amendment to the House Supplemental Appropriations bill (HR 1469) that would have increased FY 97 funding for ADAP by $68 million (See May 14 Alert.) However, there may be an opportunity to get additional funding for ADAP during the conference on the Supplemental bill. Both the House and Senate have passed their version of the bill and will be negotiating the bill next week.

AIDS Action

Call your Representatives and Senators to schedule district meetings with them to discuss the need for increased appropriations in Ryan White; HOPWA, research and prevention funding and the importance of the Medicaid program.

Paid for with contributions from AIDS Action Council Network Members

For more information, contact:

(202) 986-1300 Ext. 3042

AIDS Action Council
1875 Connecticut Avenue NW #700
Washington DC 20009
202-986-1300, extension 3053
202-986-1345 (fax)
202-332-9614 (tty)
E-Mail: aidsaction@aidsaction.org